Field Measurement of the Motorcycle's Key Dimensions Using Simple Method and in-House Fabricated Instrument

Abstract

Out of many plausible causative factors for the spike in accidents, lack of riding skills is reported to be a significant reason for motorcycle mishaps. The riding skills can be improved through better availability of training facilities (simulator). Non-availability of the dimensional database (of different types of motorcycles), which are essential for simulator design, makes it difficult for the designers/ engineers to build the commercially available cheaper motorcycle-simulators. Moreover, the available measuring techniques and devices are costly and unable to satisfy motorcycle measurement's diverse requirements. Thus, the present research aimed to prepare the dimensional database of motorcycles using an in-house fabricated measuring instrument. Following the adaptive design method, the alpha prototype of a laser-pointer-based measuring instrument was developed. The calibrated device was used for measuring the dimensions associated with the handlebar, seat, and footrest of the 23 different motorcycles under study. Detailed (linear, angular, and circumferential) dimensions of the handlebar, seat, and footrest were measured using sliding calipers and protractors. Generated dimensional databases of 18 critical dimensions from the handlebar, seat, and footrest of the 23 different standard-motorcycles would be useful for deciding the motorcycle simulator's dimensions.